Roger E. Gearhart

Roger E. Gearhart, 84, of Akron, Indiana passed at 8:30 pm, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022 at LifeCare Center of Rochester, Indiana. Roger was born on Sept. 5, 1937 in Ijamsville, Ind. to the late Frank and Edna (McPeak) Gearhart. He married on Dec. 8, 1957 in Akron, Ind. to Janet Thompson, she survives. Roger was a 1956 graduate of Akron High School. Roger and his wife Janet were 1 of 6 couples that married from their class. During Roger’s senior year, he played on the 1956 Sectional Champion basketball team. He worked for Kroger’s for many years, starting when he was in the seventh grade. Roger was an entrepreneur. He and his brother Dick became business partners in Winamac. He then owned and operated Gearhart Supermarket in Royal Center. Roger then worked as a negotiator for National Farmers Organization, working with grocers all around the area. He, and his family, then moved to Iowa. While in Iowa, he bought a gas station. He opened 5 Pick-Up and Go convenience stores around the state. Tragically he lost his son Brent in 1980. They then moved back to Akron. Roger worked in real estate in the area. He began working on developing Brentwood. He built the carwash and oil change business on Brentwood Drive. All while flipping houses in town. He had attended the Akron Church of God for many years. Roger was a Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite as well as a longtime Akron Lion. He worked to honor our local veterans. He was instrumental in the construction of the War Memorial. Roger loved Akron. He served his community on the Akron Town Board for 16 years. He was very proud of his family. He took pride in being a Gearhart. Roger enjoyed Indiana University Basketball, but he loved the Chicago Cubs. He was an avid golfer and never knew a stranger. He was a loving grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janet Gearhart of Akron; grandchildren Justin and wife Laura Gearhart of Coin, Iowa, Kristal and husband Isaiah Mylin of Zionsville, and Eric Gearhart of Akron; great grandchildren Michael, Owen, Ellie, Deacon, Grady, Jonathan, Micaiah, Noah, and Arabella; sisters Dorothy Alger, Ruth Miller, and Joan Harris; and a brother Larry Gearhart. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, sons Brent Allen Gearhart and Kris Eric Gearhart, brothers Ray, Leo, Harold, Leonard, Floyd, Max, Donald, Bill, Dick Gearhart, sisters Opal Gearhart and Sharon Meenen, and twin infant sisters Edith and Ethel. Celebrating a life well lived and will always be loved, there will be a memorial service at 12:00 noon, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Pastor Kathy Nelson officiating. His remembrance place will be in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana. Memorial visitation will take place from 10 am to 12 noon, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made in Roger’s memory to Gideons International or Kindred Hospice.

Roger E. Gearhart

September 5, 1937 - August 19, 2022